Known as one of the best places to visit in New England for fall foliage, Stowe also happens to be a wonderfully quaint and charming town in Vermont to visit year-round.
Located in northern part of the state, Stowe feels a lot like a postcard, and you’ll find covered bridges, a wonderful little Main Street, scenic walking trails, and awesome hiking. If you’re planning a visit and you’re wondering what the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont are, you’ve come to the right place! As someone’s who’s been countless times in different seasons, I’m thrilled to share with you my suggestions on the best way to fill your itinerary.
Ready to start planning? Let’s go!
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Is Stowe, VT Worth Visiting?
Stowe is most definitely worth visiting, and is one of my favorite small towns in Vermont to escape to when I’m looking for a fun getaway in the New England countryside. One of the best things about Stowe is that there are tons of year-round, outdoor activities for all different types of travelers, as well as an adorable little Main Street, beautiful walking paths, one of my favorite general stores of all time and amazing restaurants.
Best Things To Do In Stowe Year-Round (2022)
There are a lot of things to do in Stowe, VT that are great all year round, and below is a list of my favorite activities that fit into all seasons. Stay tuned later in the post for seasonal-specific things to do!
1. Visit Stowe Mercantile & Explore Main Street
Stowe has a small but lovely Main Street with really great shops, eateries, and even access to the scenic recreation path (but more on that later). Be sure to spend some time meandering through the storefronts because chances are, you’ll find a few things you can’t leave without.
My favorite store on Main Street is the Stowe Mercantile, and this is one of my all-time favorite general stores in New England (which is saying a lot because there are a lot of them in this region!).
What I love about the Stowe Mercantile is that they have it all, like a true general store should, and I never leave empty handed. You’ll find everything from penny candy (which costs a bit more than a penny nowadays, but it’s the same idea), to locally made products and foods, to apparel, to pretty well, anything else you can think of. And it’s complete with creaky floors and cute displays.
During your stroll around Main Street, be sure to visit the Giles W. Dewey covered bridge right in the village (it goes over the river at the Mountain Road and Main Street intersection – you can’t miss it!).
2. Pick Up Some Locally-Made Handcrafted Chocolates
Located on Main Street, Lake Champlain Chocolates is a Vermont-based company with its flagship shop in Burlington. But this cute little location is filled with character and all the delicious creations their known for.
Using premium ingredients, they create both seasonal flavors and perfect staples, so you’re sure to find tons of thing you’ll want to try and take home. They also make great gifts!
Note: The Stowe Lake Champlain location was Laughing Moon Chocolates until November 2023.
3. Tour The Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory
If you’re in town for longer than a day, one of the more fun activities in Stowe, VT is take a little side excursion to the Ben & Jerry’s factory. A short 15-minute drive from downtown Stowe will bring you to the nearby town of Waterbury, where you can visit this famous ice cream factory, tour their facilities, and even sample some of the ice cream.
During your visit, I definitely recommend walking to their flavor graveyard, which is just a few minutes from their main building. This is a cute little spot where discontinued flavors have been given a tombstone, and if you’ve been a fan of this ice cream for a while, it could be a really fun walk down memory lane.
On-site, there’s also a scoop shop and gift shop. Grab a cone of your favorite flavor from the scoop shop (they sometimes have exclusive flavors here to try, too) or get a Vermonster sundae (when in Rome, right?). In their gift shop, I actually suggest buying their ice cream pint koozies, which I’ve used for years since my first Ben & Jerry’s factory visit about 10 years ago. They’re amazing for keeping your hands from freezing while you eat from any pint of ice cream!
4. Spend An Afternoon In Burlington
If you’re in the area for a few days, then definitely consider taking a drive to Burlington, one of the state’s best and most fun cities to explore. Burlington is only a 45-minute drive from Stowe, and makes for a great afternoon trip.
Some of the most fun things to do in Burlington, VT on a day trip are to walk the waterfront path along Lake Champlain, sample some of the locally-made beers at the breweries, take a stroll through the arts district, grab some awesome pizza at the cozy American Flatbread, and stroll through the shops at Church Street Marketplace.
If you’ve got some extra time, another great thing to do in the area is head over to the Lake Champlain Chocolates flagship store. Here, you’ll be able to buy pretty much every kind of chocolate they make, as well as watch videos of factory tours, and sample some of their creations.
5. Sample Locally Made Spirits
One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Stowe, VT is to taste some of the locally-made spirits, and there are two places that are perfect for that nearby: Green Mountain Distillers in Morristown (10 mins from Stowe), and Smuggler’s Notch Distilling in Waterbury (15 mins from Stowe, and also in the same town as the Ben & Jerry’s factory).
Green Mountain Distillers has been distilling small-batch spirits since 2002, and makes gin, vodka, and their special Maple Liqueur. They offer tastings Thursdays through Sundays, and you just need to reach out to them via e-mail on their website to schedule one.
Smuggler’s Notch Distillers is an award-winning distillery with a focus on craft spirits. They also offer tastings every day of the week, and they usually have fun seasonal cocktails you can try while there, too. Their tasting room in Waterbury is really beautiful, and you can also buy their full-sized bottles during your visit to take home with you.
6. Take A Day Trip To Woodstock & Quechee
While Stowe is an amazing town to visit, another equally beautiful town in Vermont to see is Woodstock, as well as Quechee, which is very close to Woodstock. If you’re in town for more than a day or two, one of the best day trips to take near Stowe is to experience everything these two towns have to offer. The drive here will be about an hour and 20 minutes, but it’s well worth it.
In Woodstock, you’ll find charming streets, a wonderful town green and town center with awesome shops and restaurants and a gorgeous covered bridge. Just a few minutes away from Woodstock is Quechee, and this town is home to the Simon Pearce flagship store, as well as an awesome little area at the Antiques Mall plaza where you can pick up some great gifts and sample local wines and spirits.
7. Take A Scenic Walk On The Recreation Path
The Recreation Path is one of my personal favorite things to do in Stowe, VT. It can be accessed all throughout town, including Main Street, which means it’s easy to get to. And once you’re on the path, you’ll have over 5 miles of paved walkways to enjoy scenic views. This path starts in the village, and goes all the way to Top Notch Resort (which is a fun bonus if you happen to be staying at the resort).
But to enjoy the scenic views, you don’t have to walk far on the path unless you want to. I always start in the village, and then walk about a mile on the path before turning around to head back to the village, and that will be a really fun way to enjoy the views. I’ve also walked the whole thing, and it’s definitely worth it, but you can also walk smaller sections if you’re short on time.
8. Try The Local Beer
There are a few breweries in town, and another way to spend a beautiful afternoon in Stowe is to sample the local beer. My two favorites are Alchemist Beer and Idletyme Brewing.
Both of these breweries are just about a mile from the village center, so the locations are really convenient, and they both have beautiful tasting rooms, beer gardens and food served on-site. Alchemist has more of a focus on small-bites and snacks available, and they allow you to bring your own food for outdoor seating if you’re looking for a full meal. Idletyme has a full menu with delicious food for both lunch and dinner.
9. Go Cheese Tasting At The Cabot Cheese Farmer’s Store
Sampling fresh cheeses at the Cabot Cheese Farmer’s Store is definitely one of the more fun places to visit in Stowe, VT! This location can be found in Waterbury, and often has samples of their cheeses out for you to try before buying.
In addition to sampling and shopping for cheese while here, you can shop for locals beers, ciders and wines, gifts, specialty foods and so much more. You can also easily combine this with a trip to the Ben & Jerry’s factory and Cold Hollow Cider Mill (later in the post under the fall section).
10. Hop On The SkyRide Gondola
One of the most exciting attractions in Stowe, VT is the SkyRide Gondola, which takes you to the top of Vermont’s highest mountain, Mount Mansfield. The views from the top of the mountain are, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, absolutely breathtaking. You can, of course, hike up the mountain, too, but the gondola is much more relaxing.
Once you’re at the top, you’ll have access to some really awesome hiking trails, a gift shop, as well as two restaurants for a unique dining experience.
Pro Tip: One of the restaurants at the summit is The Waffle, which makes for a really fun treat to enjoy while you’re taking in the views.
11. Taste Locally-Made Hard Cider
Stowe Cider is always one of the best ways to spend a few hours Stowe! While you can find their hard ciders in a lot of places around New England, as well as the country, it’s definitely the most fun to visit their taproom in town. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, and often have food trucks on-site serving up some awesome food. The taproom also typically has a few exclusives on their menu of ciders you can’t get anywhere else, which is always a treat.
At the taproom, you can also get cider flights so you can try a few different varieties, and decide which is your favorite. You’ll also be able to order ciders by the glass, as well as get some cans to take back with you.
Best Summer Activities In Stowe, VT (2022)
While fall and winter are typically the most popular times to visit, the summer months offer a lot of really fun activities in that are best to tackle during the warmer days of the year. Below is my list of the best things to do in the summer.
12. Visit Moss Glenn Falls
Only a 5-minute drive from the village is Moss Glenn Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall that’s over 120 feet high. While you can also hike to this waterfall year-round, I think summer is the best season to do it because much of the walk is in a wooded area that’s shaded, which will provide a break from the hot sun during summer days.
The hike to the waterfall is actually pretty easy and short, making this a stop you can do in an hour or less, even at a slow pace. There’s also an option to make it a 5-mile loop hike by adding on the Vast 100 trail. The walk to the waterfall is very pretty and scenic, and you’ll cross a cute little wooden bridge and boardwalks, which make for nice photo opps, and then, of course, the actual waterfall is stunning.
13. Try Your Hand At Disc Golf
Disc Golf isn’t something that you can play just anywhere, but here in Stowe, you can visit Smugglers Notch Disc Golf & Outdoor Center, which is about 30 minutes outside of the village. The courses here have been ranked in the top 15 in the entire world, so you’re definitely in the right place if you’re looking to give it a shot.
Disc golf is a combination of frisbee and golf. Instead of hitting a ball with club, you’re using a disc that’s much like a frisbee (but a little different), and trying to get it to land in an elevated metal basket.
Never played disc golf but are interesting in trying? No problem! The course has a beginner lesson, which includes 3 disc rentals, and use of the beginner course once the lesson is over to practice your new skills.
14. Go On A Ziplining Adventure
One of the most thrilling things to do in Stowe, VT is to go zip lining! ArborTrek Canopy Adventures offers not just zip lining, but also climbing and obstacle courses, so there’s a little something here for all ages and preferences. Although, the Zip Line Canopy Tour is definitely worth it, and caters to both beginners and experienced zip liners.
ArborTrek Canopy Adventures is about 30 minutes from Stowe, and located the Smugglers Notch area. It was also named one of the best zip line courses in the entire country by USA Today, so if you’ve ever wanted to go zip lining, this is an awesome place to try it.
15. Hit The Trails At Smugglers Notch State Park
You’ve heard me mention Smugglers Notch quite a bit in this post already, but it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Stowe in the summer. While it’s also great to visit in the fall for foliage season, the hiking trails inside the park are really popular in the summer, and provide amazing views.
Inside the park, you’ll find miles of trails that range from easy to challenging, and you can even hike to another waterfall here. For an easy and short hike, take the Bingham Waterfall Trail, which is only 1-mile round-trip, and takes you to a nice little waterfall.
16. Float Down The River In An Inner Tube
One of the most refreshing summer activities in Stowe, VT is to head out to Winooski River and spend the afternoon just floating along the water in an inner tube. Umiak Outdoor Outfitters makes it really easy for visitors to plan a day floating on the river because they rent out inner tubes, as well as offer shuttles out to the river (in case your tubes don’t fit in your car, which is likely).
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, but also still relaxing, they also offer paddle board and kayak rentals, and do tours in the area to the best spots for scenic cruises. They can also provide a list of suggestions if you’re looking to do a self-guided tour after renting equipment.
17. Experience The Stowe Balloon Festival In July
If you happen to visit during the moth of July, definitely consider the Stowe Balloon Festival, which takes place around the beginning of the month each year.
Visitors can enjoy watching the launch of over 20 balloons at sunrise and sunset during the festival, and can pre-book rides in the balloons at different price points. During the festival, you’ll also find beer, wine and drink tents, children’s activities, live music and lots more.
Things To Do In Stowe, VT In The Fall (2022)
If I had to pick one season to visit Stowe, VT in, it would be fall. I honestly really do love it in all seasons, but there’s something extra special about any Vermont town in the fall, including Stowe. Here are some especially festive fall activities I suggest if you visit during foliage season.
18. Take A Scenic Foliage Drive Through Smugglers Notch
Fall is the best time to take the twisty-turny drive through the incredibly scenic and fun Smugglers Notch. The road that goes through the park is free to drive on for everyone (no need to buy a park pass unless you plan to explore the actual state park), and connects the towns of Stowe and Cambridge, VT. During the fall season, it’ll be completely ablaze with color.
You’ll actually drive this route to get to the SkyRide Gondola, which is at the halfway point on this road. So definitely be sure to drive the whole thing if you stop for a gondola ride because it’s absolutely worth it.
Pro Tip: One thing to be aware of is that there are some hairpin turns on this route, so be sure to drive slow in these sections, and stop to make sure there’s enough clearance in case of on-coming traffic.
19. Experience Stowe At Night Lantern Tours
One of the most spooky activities in Stowe, VT is go on a night time lantern tour with Stowe Lantern Tours. This is especially fun to do during the month of October because you’ll hear stories of the resident ghosts of the town, as well as learn a lot about the local history. This is a walking tour, but will work for most people as it’s only about a half-mile long. And at only $12 per person*, it’s a great deal for some extra goosebumps during this time of the year!
*Pricing as of 2022.
20. Find Your Way Through A Corn Maze
Only about a 10-minute drive outside of the village (and close to both Idletyme and Alchemist Breweries!), you’ll find an awesome corn maze at Percy Farm, which is definitely one of the most fun activities in Stowe, VT in the fall. This is also located just off the Recreation Path, which means you could combine it with a long walk on the path from town.
The corn maze takes about 30-40 minutes to complete, and leashed pets are also welcome. You’re also able to pay for your admission with Venmo, making it very convenient to visit.
There are actually quite a few awesome corn mazes throughout Vermont, so be sure to keep a lookout during your visit if you’re around in the late summer, or early fall!
21. Visit The Haunted Covered Bridge
Recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the most haunted places in the U.S., another one of the most spooky things to do in Stowe, VT is visit Emily’s Bridge, also known as Gold Brook Covered Bridge. Not only is it a beautiful New England-style covered bridge that surrounded by foliage in the fall, it has a spooky past that’ll definitely give you chills.
The bridge was built in 1844, and the story goes that just after the bridge was built, a girl named Emily and her boyfriend planned to meet at the bridge to elope. But when he didn’t show up, she was so devastated that she hung herself from the rafters of the bridge.
Since then, there have been countless stories and recollections of Emily’s ghost, now full of anger and vengeance, leaving scratches and claw marks on cars and pedestrians who cross the bridge. There’s never been any proof that anyone actually died here at the bridge, but since the story dates back to the mid 1800s, it’s possible there wouldn’t be any documentation.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, knowing the story is sure to at least give you pause before crossing the bridge! Personally, I’ve never been able to decide if I believe in ghosts and paranormal activity, but I can tell you, my heart beats a little faster every time I visit Emily’s Bridge.
22. Get Some Cider & Donuts At Cold Hollow Cider Mill
A more tame and festive thing to do in Stowe, VT in the fall is visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill, which is located in Waterbury, making this easy to combine with a trip to Ben & Jerry’s, Cabot Farmer’s Store and Smuggler’s Notch Distillery. Here you’ll find an amazing country store that sells all kinds of products, foods and gifts, but also freshly-made cider donuts, as well as cold and hot cider drinks.
Cold Hollow also has a restaurant and hard cidery across the way from their general store, so this is a place where you’ll want to budget a few hours to have lunch and do a hard cider tasting, too.
Alternative Option: This is a very popular place to visit in the fall season, and it’s good to know that traffic getting here (and back!) can be quite congested in the fall, especially on weekends. If you’re looking to avoid traffic, I recommend taking a scenic drive to Burtt’s Apple Orchards, if you have the time. It’s just under an hour from Stowe, and they have delicious cider and donuts (and I actually prefer their donuts over the ones at Cold Hollow, but both are really good!). You can also visit AM Foster Covered Bridge nearby Burtt’s to make the drive worth your while 😉 Keep in mind Burtt’s is only opening seasonally in the fall.
23. Pick Apples To Bring Home
Just outside of the village, you’ll find tons of place to pick your own fresh apples, which is such a fun way to spend a fall afternoon in Stowe (especially if you’re able to bring a bunch home with you to bake some delicious treats).
Some of the orchards are about 30 minutes outside of Stowe, and some of them are closer to an hour away, and further out in the countryside. But any orchard you pick will make for a perfect fall afternoon.
24. Take A Drive On The Back Roads
Stowe is packed with incredible landscapes backdropped by the scenic mountain vistas. One of the best things to in the fall season to admire the foliage is to hit the back roads! You’ll venture out on some of these to visit Emily’s Bridge, but I suggest just taking your time and seeing what you can find on your own.
Here’s a hint to get you started: one of the coolest barn landscapes in the fall is Grandview Farm, which is close to Emily’s Bridge.
Best Winter Activities In Stowe, VT (2022)
Winter is one of the most popular seasons to visit Stowe because of its ski resorts and, of course, the slopes on Mount Mansfield. Even if you’re not a skier, Stowe in the winter is still a truly magical place to visit in the winter. I highly recommend splurging to stay at one of the resorts if you visit in the winter because of all the amazing amenities that are particularly lovely this time of the year. But more on that later in the post. Here are my suggestions on all the best things to do in Stowe, VT in the winter!
25. Go Dog Sledding Through The Woods
If a winter dog sledding adventure has been on your bucket list, one of the best winter activities in Stowe, VT this time of the year is a dog sledding tour with Eden Ethical Dog Sledding Adventures. Eden is one of the only chain-free dog sledding tour operators in North America, and ethical treatment of the dogs should be everyone’s priority. This is a great tour that you can feel good about!
Eden offers different packages and tours depending on your preferences, and all of them include quality time with the dogs, making this a memorable experience.
26. Take A Snow Tubing Tour
If you’re not a skiier and are looking to still have fun in the snow (or maybe you are a skiier, but want to try something that’s a little different), one of the best things to do in Stowe, VT in the winter is to go snow tubing.
Umiak Outdoor Outfitters (mentioned earlier in this post for inner tube tours along the river!), also offers winter tours, and the most fun option is the snowshoeing and tubing tour. This is a guided showshoe tour through the woods that ends at a special snow tubing destination. You’ll snowshoe up the hill, and sled down, feeling like a kid again in the process.
For a more relaxed snow tubing experience, they also offer an option in Waitsfield (about a 40-minute drive from Stowe), with tubing down a private hill at the 1824 House Inn, and a cozy fireside lunch is provided after.
27. Go Ice Skating At Spruce Peak Village
Open to the public is the really fun outdoor ice skating rink at Spruce Peak Resort & Village, and this is definitely one of the best attractions in Stowe, VT in the winter! Spruce Peak Resort is mentioned a little later in this post as one of the best ski and winter resorts in town, but you don’t have to be a guest of the resort to skate at their rink.
Open both during the day and at night, the rink is perfectly back-dropped by Vermont’s snow-covered mountains, and at night, it’s aglow with twinkle lights for an even more magical experience. Skate rentals are also available for an additional fee.
28. Hit The Slopes, Of Course!
This is one of the best places to ski in Vermont, so of course, hitting the slopes should definitely be on your list of winter activities in Stowe, VT. Mount Mansfield is the best place for skiing, and since it’s the tallest mountain in Vermont, you know you’re in for a fun day.
This is a great place for both beginners and advanced skiiers, and ski rental equipment is also available at the mountain if you don’t have your own. Ski and snowboard lessons are also available if you’ve never been skiing before, or are in need of a quick refresher.
Best Ski Resorts In Stowe, VT
Now that I’ve covered all the best things to do in Stowe, VT in the winter, the ultimate winter experience in Stowe is a stay at one of the resorts. Stowe has quite a few resorts that are amazing in the winter season, but two are especially incredible, and worth the cost of the overnight stay.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak is the best choice if you’re looking for a true ski-in, ski-out experience, as the resort is right at the base of the mountain’s ski area. This is also the only resort in Stowe that offers this amenity.
But even if you’re not looking to hit the slopes, there are so many other amazing features to Spruce Peak that make it the ultimate winter getaway in Vermont, including a spa, great on-site restaurants, the ice rink as mentioned above, a shopping village, sleigh rides, a heated pool that’s open in the winter and several accommodation types, including luxury treehouse stays.
Click here to check out the Lodge at Spruce Peak
The Trapp Family Lodge is another amazing choice when planning where to stay in Stowe. This cozy Austrian-inspired resort also has everything you need for a wonderful winter getaway, and is also home to the country’s first cross-country ski center.
Additional amenities at this resort include winter activity lessons and rentals, a brewery, great restaurants, tastings at their very own wine cellar, a massage sanctuary, campfires and s’mores and an outdoor hot tub.
Click here to check out the Trapp Family Lodge
Romantic Things To Do In Stowe, VT
If you’re looking for activities and sun ideas in Stowe, VT for a romantic getaway, pretty much anything on this list will fit the bill. However, here are two extra special suggestions to up the romance factor.
29. Stay Overnight In A Jacuzzi Room At Green Mountain Inn
The Green Mountain Inn is a cozy, New England style inn that’s located right in the heart of Stowe’s village, and many rooms here offer fireside jacuzzis. The inn also has two firepits for cuddling by the fire outside, and also offers a year-round heated pool and an outdoor, in-ground jacuzzi for moonlight soaks.
Click here to book your romantic stay at the Green Mountain Inn!
30. Spend The Afternoon At The Stoweflake Spa
The Stoweflake Mountain Resort is home to the Stoweflake Spa, which is a really great way to spend a romantic afternoon in Stowe. The spa has a wonderful selection of day packages specifically for couples, and one option, the Couple’s Retreat package, includes a private aromatherapy bath for two, followed by a side-by-side candlelit massage.
Free Things To Do In Stowe, VT
Because of the variety of things to do in Stowe, there are also some really great free options. Here’s a list of the free things to you can do during your visit.
- Walk the Recreation Path.
- Stroll through Main Street and the covered bridge.
- Take a drive to Burlington to wander for the day.
- Visit Emily’s Bridge.
- Take a scenic drive through Smuggler’s Notch.
- Hike to Moss Glenn Falls.
- Drive to Woodstock and Quechee.
- Visit the flavor graveyard at the Ben & Jerry’s factory.
How To Spend A Day In Stowe, VT
If you’re in town just for the day, you’re in for a perfect Vermont afternoon! Here’s how I suggest you plan to spend a day in Stowe, VT:
Morning: Start by stopping at Emily’s Bridge on your way in (if you dare!), and then take the short hike to sunset rock for amazing views of the town. Then make your way to the village to park, and explore Main Street, and the Recreation Path to get familiar with the beautiful Stowe views and landscapes.
Afternoon: Grab lunch at the the Cafe on Main for some great sandwiches, soups and salads (expert tip: they do online ordering which is great if you’re short on time, and be sure to add a brownie to your order!). Then drive through Smuggler’s Notch, and end at the SkyRide Gondola to ride up to the highest peak in Vermont. If time allows after that, you could head to Waterbury to visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Ben & Jerry’s and Smuggler’s Notch Distillery.
Late Afternoon-Evening: Depending on time and interest, you can visit one of the local distilleries or Stowe Cider if you haven’t already for a pre-dinner drink, and then head back into town to have dinner at one of the awesome restaurants to end your day.
Best Places To Stay In Stowe, VT
Lodge At Spruce Peak: I know, I know, I already mentioned this resort earlier in the post, but it bears repeating. Year-round, this resort offers incredible mountain views from the property, as well as awesome amenities like a spa, shopping village, and dining.
Click here to check out the Lodge at Spruce Peak
Field Guide Lodge is one of my favorite Stowe hotels. I love the modern and whimsical decor, and the location is only a 10-minute walk to the heart of town. There’s a complimentary breakfast included in the room rate, as well as a seasonal outdoor pool. Some rooms also come with a balcony.
Click here to check out the Field Guide Lodge
Stowe Motel & Snowdrift is a great budget-friendly option. Located a quick 5-minute drive from town center, this basic but clean and comfortable motel also has a seasonal outdoor pool and some efficiency kitchen rooms to cook your own meals.
Click here to check out the Stowe Motel & Snowdrift!
Best Restaurants In Stowe, VT
There are so many wonderful places to eat in Stowe, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are my suggestions for the best restaurants in Stowe, VT.
Idletyme Brewing – I’ve already mentioned them earlier in the post, but honestly, their food is really good! If you’re looking for a casual place with pub-style food offerings that are fresh and delicious, as well as really great beer, this is an excellent choice.
The Bistro at 10 Acres: Amazing food, and an equally great outdoor patio area with incredible views of the Vermont countryside and mountains. They have a cozy little bar, too, that makes great drinks. Tip: for only $10, you can buy a round of drinks for the kitchen staff to show your appreciation!
Café On Main: My go-to lunch stop right in the village by the Stowe Mercantile. They have really amazing salads and sandwiches, and I always have to get a cookie or brownie when I come here. They also offer online ordering if you’re short on time, or want to skip the line (they tend to get pretty busy at peak times). Also, they have tons of flavor shots and can make really fun lattes and hot cocoas!
Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: Sometimes you just need a really good pizza, and Piecasso delivers on that front. They’ve been serving up the same Sicilian-influenced pizza recipe for he last 50 years, so you know it’s going to be good. They also have an awesome wine list and really good cocktails.
Butler’s Pantry: A hearty Vermont breakfast is an experience you have to have during your visit, and Butler’s Pantry serves up the best in town. Amazing pancakes, local maple syrups, delicious french toast and wonderful omelettes are a few things you can find on their menu. They also make a really nice acai bowl if you’re looking for a healthier option.
How To Get To Stowe, VT
The only airport in Stowe services mostly private charters and flights, so most people choose to fly into Burlington, VT, which is the closest international airport to Stowe, and only 45 minutes away.
Another option for cheaper flights would be to fly into Boston’s Logan International Airport, which is about 3 hours and 15 minutes from Stowe, and then take a mini road trip through New England and Vermont before arriving in Stowe.
You could choose a similar option and fly into the NYC-area airports (JFK International Airport, LaGuardia International Airport or Newark International Airport), and take a 5.5 to 6-hour road trip from NYC through Upstate New York, New England and Vermont before arriving in Stowe (there are different routes available for this option, including drives through Connecticut, Upstate NY, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, depending on how much time you have and what you’re interested in seeing).
How To Get Around Stowe
The best way to explore Stowe is by car, especially because some of the top sites are a 15-30 minute drive from the village. New England in general typically requires a car to visit because so much of it is rural, and Stowe, VT is no exception. Upon arrival at the airport, I suggest renting a car for your entire trip, which will give you the most flexibility.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Stowe, VT
The best time of the year to visit Stowe is in the fall for foliage season, and winter for ski season, but honestly, any time of the year in this great little town is wonderful. Stowe is also one of the most magical places in Vermont at Christmas, as the town does a wonderful Traditional Christmas celebration!
And since the best time of year to visit Vermont in general is fall, Stowe is no exception, and the town is even more picturesque with fall color bursting at every turn. In fact, it makes my list as one of the top places to experience fall foliage in Vermont.
In the winter, there’s something really amazing about seeing the towns landscapes covered in a blanket of fresh snow, and Stowe Mountain is one of the top ski resorts in the northeast.
Tip For Visiting Stowe In The Fall: It’s good to know that Stowe sees some heavy traffic congestion getting in and out of town during peak foliage weeks in the fall, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. This largely stems from folks trying to get in and out of Cold Hollow Cider Mill on Waterbury-Stowe Road, just outside of town. Traffic is usually the worst on weekends, and especially Indigenous People’s weekend, which is the typical peak foliage weekend each year. It’s definitely worth it! But if you don’t like crowds, this is something to consider.
Psst! I also have a detailed guide on Visiting Stowe, VT In The Winter season, if you’d like more info 😉
How Many Days Do I Need In Stowe, VT?
The great thing about Stowe is that it’s small enough that it makes for a great day trip, and there’s so much to do that you could easily spend a weekend here, or even more. I would say 2 nights hits the sweet spot for a stay in Stowe, which would allow you visit the local sites without feeling rushed. However, if all you have is a day, that’s great, too!
If you’re coming to Stowe in the winter, I usually suggest a weekend stay or longer, so 3 days or more, just because weather can be unpredictable and slow things down a bit. Plus, if your primary reason is to come to ski, you’ll want to extra time to hit the slopes and have plenty of cozy, apres ski evenings.
Something really great about Stowe is that you can also easily combine it with a trip to the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, as it’s only about 1.5 hours to some of the best towns there. If you’re looking to plan a pretty epic fall or winter New England trip, I suggest tacking on a few days in the White Mountains, too. Here are some posts to help you get started:
What Is Stowe, VT Known For?
Stowe, VT is most known for being a winter ski destination, and has even been named Ski Capitol of the East. Skiing has been a prominent attraction in the area since 1933, when the state’s first trails were formed.
Stowe is also known for being one of the most beautiful towns in Vermont to visit because of the beautiful countryside views and distinguished church steeple that is highly photographed and widely-featured in the media.
Lastly, Stowe is also known for being one of the best stops to make on a Route 100 road trip, which is one of the most famous drives in the state. Since Route 100 goes right through Stowe, it’s a popular place to stop on the drive.
More Of My Vermont Travel Guides:
- Vermont In The Fall
- Vermont In The Winter
- Vermont In The Spring
- All The Best Things To Do In Vermont
- Things To Do In Woodstock, VT
- Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
- What Is Vermont Known For? I’ll Tell You!
- Vermont Covered Bridge Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
- Best Things To Do In Waterbury, VT
- Awesome Corn Mazes In Vermont
You may also enjoy:
- Best Day Trips In New England
- Best Winter Getaways In New England
- 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary
That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do In Stowe, VT
And there you have it! All the very best things to do in Stowe, VT. Regardless of the time of year you visit, this little town is absolutely worth a stop during your travels in Vermont, and if you’re looking for the perfect fall foliage getaway, or ski vacation, you’ve absolutely found one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
